Filmographie Julia Roberts: From Pretty Woman to Netflix Stardom – A Complete Career Guide

Few actresses have shaped modern cinema the way Julia Roberts has. With her trademark smile, effortless charm, and remarkable acting range, Roberts has built a career spanning more than three decades and across virtually every genre—romantic comedies, legal thrillers, powerful dramas, and even TV shows. From the moment she stepped into the spotlight with Mystic Pizza to her iconic turn in Pretty Woman and her Oscar-winning performance in Erin Brockovich, her name has become synonymous with Hollywood royalty.

In this article, we delve deep into Julia Roberts’ filmography, exploring her life, education, TV career, religion, and the movies she’s starred in over the years, including her top 10 roles, and the ones currently streaming on Netflix.

Who Is Julia Roberts?

Julia Fiona Roberts was born on October 28, 1967, in Smyrna, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. Raised in a creative household—her parents were both actors and playwrights—Roberts developed a love for performance early on. However, she didn’t immediately aim for a film career. After initially pursuing a career in veterinary science and briefly dabbling in modeling, she landed her first big acting break with Mystic Pizza in 1988.

Her portrayal of Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman (1990) catapulted her to international stardom, making her one of the most bankable actresses of the 1990s and 2000s.

Julia Roberts Age and Birthday

Birthday: October 28, 1967

Age: 57 (as of 2025)

Despite the passage of time, Julia Roberts continues to act, produce, and redefine what it means to be a female lead in Hollywood, particularly in an industry notorious for ageism.

Julia Roberts Education and Early Life

Roberts attended Campbell High School in Georgia. After graduation, she moved to New York City and signed with a modeling agency. She also studied acting at the Lee Strasberg Institute, one of the most respected acting schools in the world. Her natural abilid on-screen charisma soon landed her roles in film and television.

Her older brother, Eric Roberts, was already an established actor when she entered the industry, but Julia quickly created a path uniquely her own, stepping out from under his shadow to become a star in her own right.

Julia Roberts Movies in Order by Year (Selected Highlights)

Here is a chronological journey through Julia Roberts’ movie career, highlighting some of her most significant roles:

1988–1990: Rise to Stardom

Mystic Pizza (1988) – Breakout role as Daisy

Steel Magnolias (1989) – Earned her first Oscar nomination

Pretty Woman (1990) – Her signature role; earned her a second Oscar nomination

1991–1997: Diversification

Sleeping with the Enemy (1991) – Psychological thriller hit

Hook (1991) – Played Tinker Bell in Spielberg’s fantasy

The Pelican Brief (1993) – Legal thriller with Denzel Washington

Something to Talk About (1995)

Michael Collins (1996) – Supporting role in political biopic

My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997) – Classic rom-com

1998–2004: Peak Popularity

Stepmom (1998) – Emotional family drama

Notting Hill (1999) – Box office smash opposite Hugh Grant

Runaway Bride (1999) – Reuniting with Richard Gere

Erin Brockovich (2000) – Oscar-winning performance

America’s Sweethearts (2001)

Ocean’s Eleven (2001) and Ocean’s Twelve (2004) – Star-studded heist films

Closer (2004) – Gritty relationship drama

2005–2015: Mature Roles & Voice Work

Charlotte’s Web (2006) – Voice of Charlotte

Charlie Wilson’s War (2007) – Political satire

Duplicity (2009) – Spy comedy with Clive Owen

Valentine’s Day (2010)

Eat Pray Love (2010) – Adaptation of bestselling memoir

Larry Crowne (2011) – Romantic comedy with Tom Hanks

Mirror Mirror (2012) – Played the Evil Queen

August: Osage County (2013) – Oscar-nominated ensemble drama

The Normal Heart (2014) – HBO drama

2016–2023: Legacy and Streaming Era

Money Monster (2016) – Financial thriller with George Clooney

Wonder (2017) – Heartwarming family drama

Ben Is Back (2018) – Addiction and motherhood

Ticket to Paradise (2022) – Reuniting with George Clooney

Leave the World Behind (2023) – Netflix thriller directed by Sam Esmail

Top 10 Julia Roberts Movies (Critical and Popular Acclaim)

Pretty Woman (1990)

Erin Brockovich (2000)

Steel Magnolias (1989)

My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997

Notting Hill (1999)

Ocean’s Eleven (2001)

August: Osage County (2013)

The Pelican Brief (1993)

Eat Pray Love (2010)

Wonder (2017)

Each of these films showcases different facets of her acting ability—from comedic timing and vulnerability to resilience and authority.

Julia Roberts Movies on Netflix

Netflix has featured several Julia Roberts films, although availability depends on your country. As of 2025, common titles that rotate in and out of the catalog include:

Eat Pray Love

Wonder

Ben Is Back

August: Osage County

Leave the World Behind (Netflix Original, 2023)

Her Netflix debut in Leave the World Behind marked a significant shift to streaming-first storytelling, a trend among A-list actors in recent years.

TV Shows with Julia Roberts

While known for film, Julia has made a strong impression on TV:

Homecoming (2018–2020)

A psychological thriller on Amazon Prime Video

Julia plays Heidi Bergman, a caseworker at a mysterious government facility

Critically acclaimed and marked her serious return to acting after a short break

She also appeared in:

The Normal Heart (HBO, 2014) – Supporting role in a drama about the AIDS epidemic

Guest appearances and hosting duties on SNL and various talk shows

Julia Roberts’ Religion and Spiritual Beliefs

Raised with a Catholic background, Julia Roberts later embraced Hinduism after filming Eat Pray Love in India. She has spoken openly about her admiration for Neem Karoli Baba, a Hindu spiritual teacher whose teachings inspired her deeply. She often participates in family prayer and visits temples with her children.

Her spiritual journey adds a fascinating layer to her public persona—balancing Hollywood glitz with a deeply personal inner life.

Awards and Industry Impact

Academy Award: Best Actress for Erin Brockovich (2001)

Golden Globe Awards: 3 wins from 8 nominations

BAFTA, Screen Actors Guild, and Critics’ Choice recognitions

Named People magazine’s Most Beautiful Woman five times—a record

Julia Roberts helped redefine what it meant to be a leading woman in the modern Hollywood era, earning equal pay with male co-stars, choosing strong female-centric roles, and maintaining a stable career across three decades.

Julia Roberts in 2025 and Beyond

As of 2025, Julia Roberts remains active both on and off-screen. She’s reportedly producing multiple streaming series, pursuing philanthropic initiatives in children’s health and education, and continues to choose meaningful, often thought-provoking projects.

Her rumored future work includes:

A biopic on civil rights activists

A return to Broadway in a dramatic stage role

More Netflix and Amazon Prime original content

Legacy and Cultural Influence

Julia Roberts has left an indelible mark on global cinema. Her presence is not just cinematic—it’s cultural. Whether redefining the rom-com genre, winning awards in social justice films, or transitioning smoothly into TV and streaming, her career is a masterclass in longevity, reinvention, and grace.

Her image has become symbolic of ‘90s Hollywood glamour, early 2000s prestige, and the 2020s streaming renaissance.

Final Thoughts

From Vivian in Pretty Woman to the emotionally complex roles in Erin Brockovich, August: Osage County, and Homecoming, Julia Roberts’ journey is a testament to talent, perseverance, and reinvention. Her movie catalog not only entertains but also inspires generations of actors and viewers alike.

For more celebrity spotlights, actor profiles, and entertainment guides like this one, visit thegoted.com— your go-to source for deep dives into filmography, fame, and beyond.